Plan ahead. This has been one of the keys to a successful deployment. There are many things you need to do prior to the cruise. This prevents both the one left behind and the deploying sailor from worrying about minor and major items that may come up.

Before your spouse walks up that brow, make sure you have completed some advance preparations. The more you can learn and accomplish before the deployment, the more confident both of you will be when parting time comes.

 Here is a Family Checklist we use

 

_____	Do you know your OMBUDSMAN's name and phone number?
_____	Do you know your spouse's social security number?
_____	Is the emergency data page in his service record current and correct?
_____	Is your ID card about to expire? Have you arranged for paper work for an ID card for any child who will turn 10 before the service member's return?
_____	Has the car's maintenance been discussed? Who will you take it to for repairs?
_____	Do you understand what the OMBUDSMAN, Navy Family Services Center, Red Cross, Navy Relief, the Chaplain, etc., can do for you, and how and when to contact them?
_____	Do you know your spouse's complete deployed address?
_____	Have children been included in discussions on where the parent is going, when he/she is coming home, and why they are leaving?
_____	Have you and your spouse made your wills? Are they current, and in a convenient place?
_____	Do you need a special power of attorney to sign your spouse's name on income tax forms or to cash a tax return check?
_____	Do you have an adequate allotment? Will it cover your rent, utilities, grocery needs, bills, and other expenditures?
_____	Have you discussed your feelings on the deployment and your spouse's return?
_____	Do you know where important family documents are?
_____	Have you given your home a security checkup? Do all window locks work? Do the windows open or are they painted shut? What about the door locks? Do you know the combinations or have the keys for those padlocks?
_____	Do you, your parents, and your in-laws know how to reach your spouse in an emergency?